JOB TITLE: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate
REPORTS TO: Director of Client Services
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full time, flexible hours, non-exempt
JOB PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Advocate for and provide service to domestic violence and sexual assault clients
SUMMARY OF DUTIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Provide professional representation for the YWCA with YWCA clients and the Walla Walla community.
- Become trained in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy and crisis response.
- Work with domestic violence and sexual assault clients in determining and accessing needed services.
- Provide individual empowerment-focused advocacy and assist with support groups.
- Provide on-call crisis services as needed.
- Complete intakes and provide a wide range of advocacy services, which may include medical, legal, and personal advocacy, information and referrals, crisis intervention and ongoing support, emergency transportation, and crime victim’s compensation information.
- Collaborate with community agencies to meet the needs of YWCA clients.
- Remain current in sexual assault and domestic violence training requirements.
- Complete all required forms, and maintain paper and digital files in a timely and accurate manner
- Maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding clients, staff, and YWCA business in accordance with laws, contracts, and YWCA policy.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS/ABILITIES
- Valid Washington driver’s license and current proof of insurance on file at the YWCA
- Ability to pass a Washington Criminal History check
- Ability to drive and transport clients in agency vehicle.
- Ability to work with diverse populations with an outgoing, friendly, equitable and welcoming manner
- Ability to develop harmonious working relationships with all YWCA staff and the general public
- Demonstrate an open and creative mind receptive to new ideas and solutions
- Ability to give and receive information effectively orally and in writing
- Commitment to increasing cultural competency
- Ability to project a positive and professional image of the YWCA to the all communities.
- Ability to perform duties and follow policies and procedures
- Ability to plan, organize and complete all tasks with a minimum of supervision
- Flexible work style able to accommodate frequent interruptions
- Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb stairs, reach, pull, stand, sit and read the computer
- Ability to use a computer and software appropriate to job
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
The ideal candidate will also have:
- Spanish language skills as well as English.
- Experience with communicating and working well with survivors from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and with various religious beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, age variance, differing abilities.
- Experience and ease in working with children
- Experience in maintaining accurate and timely documentation of client files.
- Experience working independently with limited supervision.
- Experience working as part of a team environment.
- Knowledge of community resources and other partnering agencies.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS POSITION
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In performing this position, the employee:
- May sit for long periods of time in meetings or while using computer.
- Frequently travels to multiple local locations for off-site meetings.
- Uses speech, hearing, and sight in exchanging information with clients, agency staff, employers, representatives of community organizations and other individuals in the community.
- Occasionally lifts/carries up to 50 pounds in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings.
- Climbs stairs, reaches outward, stands, squats, kneels, bends, and walks in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings.
EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THIS POSITION
The emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In performing this position, the employee:
- May be exposed to strong emotions.
- Must be ready to help de-escalate and defuse crisis situations.
- May find that client stories and experiences bring up uncomfortable memories or trigger emotional reactions, and must be prepared to seek appropriate self-care.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All or any portion of this job description is subject to elimination, modification or addition at any time at the discretion of the YWCA.
POSITION DETAILS
Position: YWCA Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate
Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, full time, Monday – Friday
Salary Range: $15 – $18 per hour, depending on qualifications
Benefits*
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Employee Share of insurance: 10% via payroll deduction
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance
- YWCA Retirement Fund: 10% employer-paid with 4% match by fund
– Employee may contribute up to 10%, after tax, in addition
– Eligible after working 1,000 hours in two twelve-month periods
- Two weeks paid vacation per year
- 8 hours per month sick leave
- Two paid personal days per year
*This description of benefits is in summary only. Plan documents are the final determinant of benefit details and eligibility.
HOW TO APPLY
You may apply in the following ways:
Mary Byrd, Director of Client Services
YWCA Walla Walla
213 S. First Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362
MByrd@ywcaww.org
This position is open until filled.
It is the policy of the YWCA to consider all applications for employment equally without regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ethnicity, income, veteran status, marital status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The YWCA does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications. All application materials for posted positions will be retained for one year from the date received. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that YWCA employment practices are equitable, consistently applied, in compliance with Federal and State laws, and in compliance with any contractual obligations set forth by our funding agencies, so long as those obligations are not superseded by said law.
